r/columbia

Just a reminder that the median GPA is lower than it appears. So if you are stressed out about getting an A- or B+ you are ahead of the curve. Especially in STEM.

An advisor told me the STEM average is around a 3.2 at graduation (not counting the students who change majors) in humanities it is around a 3.5.

Remember the classmates who have better grades are more likely to share and those who do well in "hard" classes might not have structural limitations in their success(Not negating any hard work they have done.)(i.e. not having to work, prep school experience, not having mental health challenges.)

So you are probably doing a lot better than it feels. Remember you are in the top 99th percentile of students solely by being at Columbia.

(Also dropping and withdrawing is so common and even encouraged. I wonder what the average would look like if that weren't allowed.)

I'm an incoming MBA student this August from Canada. I'm moving with my wife and child and we applied for family housing, specifically a 2 bedroom unit. It seems the business school approves applications based on distance first, so being from west coast of Canada we are likely near the end if we do get approval.

I'm wondering if we should hold out hope and if anyone has had similar experiences?

Hello everyone!

I know this will probably prove ineffective and may even open me up to ridicule, but I've tried everything else so here goes:

My daughter — a rising senior in high school this summer — and I have had a summer campus tour trip to the Northeast planned since last October. We will be flying from California to Philadelphia on June 3 and working our way up to Boston through June 16. We will be in New York City from June 6–9 and are hoping to visit Columbia during that time.

I noticed that only about a month ago admissions added June, July, and August dates to the campus visit calendar, but there are no available tour dates before June 15. That is completely understandable, and we would be happy to take a self-guided tour on June 8. My concern is that, as I understand it, a QR code invitation is necessary to access the Morningside campus.

I have tried to resolve this through the usual channels, but so far I have not been able to get assistance. I sent two emails to Admissions, the first on April 22, and have not received a response. Two weeks ago I called both the Admissions office and the Visitors Center, but was told that nothing could be done because this is campus policy.

I understand that policies exist for important reasons, and I explained that I'd be happy to complete any waiver or registration form required. But, alas ... no luck. So now I'm reaching out to current students or alumni to see if anyone would be willing to offer a QR code invite.

(Btw, we also asked one of her classmates who was just admitted to Columbia for this fall but unfortunately he hasn't received his CUID yet so he couldn't invite her.)

Columbia is one of my daughter’s top two choices, along with Yale, and the opportunity to visit the campus would be very meaningful as she evaluates where she hopes to apply and eventually attend.

Anyway ... if you've read all of this, thank you for your time.

Hi I rushed this spring and unfortunately did not match with a house. Do you have any suggestions for making girl friends outside of Greek life?

I feel like everyone has such an easy time finding a group of friends, but I’ve never had much luck. Most of my friends are older so they are going to graduate next year. I’m worried about not having friends, and I’ve been told I shouldn’t rerush due to being a rising junior. Additionally, I was told none of the sororities are taking COB classes either. Where I am from most girls join a sorority, so I’m really at a loss.

Does anyone know how the dorm with private room/private bath look like?

Also, are we able to request a person for the roommate for the apartment share if I already know a friend to live with?

Ahhhhh!!!!!!!

I want someone to scream with!!!!!

COYG!

Hello! This is a shot in the dark but I figured it's worth a try in case anyone has any commencement tickets they would be willing to transfer. Happy to pay or remember your name in appreciation forever. Pls message, and thank you so much!

Hello, does anyone have an extra commencement ticket? I just need one.

Very last minute lol but I was wondering if anyone knows what the window of time is for getting to Commencement as a student for the 1030AM ceremony?? It says 7:30AM and someone last year said they got there around 8:30AM and were fine but I wanted to see if anyone heard differently. Ty!

Hey everyone, just wanted to give a heads-up to any students or visiting parents looking for a meal around campus. I went to Le Monde (2885 Broadway) during graduation week. They applied a massive event markup, raising a standard $26 menu item to $36 - a 38.46% price hike.

When I questioned the sudden jump and mentioned I'd include the markup in a review to warn others, management immediately refused me service after I had already ordered. Completely predatory behavior targeting graduation families.

Guys i have no clue how to search for apartments in nyu and i just got into columbia I need to know what app do you use. And where should I look for apartments in which neighborhood or if there’s hack to live far from university then take train idk tbh im international student so its my first time in usa and I need full brief about housing. Looking for 1 bedroom with bathroom I don’t care about anything else. Just to sleep at night that’s it. Saw some prices and it was 2500$-4500$ but this is insane!

Hi guys, I am a prospective PhD student looking for housing advice.

My housing selection appointment just recently started, and it seems like all of the studio apartments have already been picked up. I have heard that additional housing sometimes gets added to the portal. What do you think the chances are of additional studio apartments being added to the system? Are they in such high demand that it is unlikely that there is any left (and I should lock in a 2-bedroom apartment instead), or should I wait and keep looking during my 6-day housing selection period?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can give any advice on the situation.

Hi all,

Like many of you, i'll be walking tomorrow. Unfortunately, at the last minute I have another family member who really wants to come to the ceremony.

If there is anyone who has a guest ticket to spare, i'd be willing to pay as this person is really important to me.

Thanks!

Hi is anyone who took intro bio with attner and did well or above average willing to share their notes? I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi there! I just had my housing appointment and I was able to get a 2bd 1bath for 1.5K. I had been hoping for a studio/ 1bd since my partner would be visiting me regularly, and I was wondering if housing swaps are possible if there are 2 interested parties? Thank u!

Though I’m still waiting on one more grade, with two A minuses under my belt now, it’s basically confirmed that I’ve officially lost my 4.0. I know a 3.93 isn’t bad at all (esp for someone in the humanities), but I really wanted to level up/at the very least maintain my gpa this semester for Latin honors when I graduate next year, so I feel insanely discouraged rn …. +I’m not sure if I’ll be able to qualify again for the scholarship I got this year either.

Got no internship or job this summer either so haha everything sucks. Just wanted to vent.

Hi there! I was hired last minute to photograph a graduating student and their guests tomorrow, but he wasn't able to get a ticket for me. I won't need to be at the commencement itself, just 2 hours before or after it to take the photos on campus. How can we still make this happen?

(If anyone is able to help me, with a ticket or otherwise, I will gladly return the favor. Need personal or graduation photos or a LinkedIn headshot? I got you.)

Hi everyone,

I’m an incoming student for the MS in AI program at Columbia University starting Fall 2026. I’m from Mumbai, India, and will be moving to NYC as an international student.

I’m currently looking to connect with 3-4 people who are also interested in finding off-campus housing near Columbia. The idea is to start early, explore options together, and potentially share a 3–4 person apartment close to campus.

A bit about me: I enjoy outdoor activities, especially playing racket sports, and I also like traveling. I like keeping things organized and having a clean, comfortable living space. I’m hoping to find people who are on a similar wavelength so we can plan things smoothly and lock in a good place at a reasonable price.

I’m flexible with move-in timelines, August or September both work for me.

If this sounds like something you’re also looking for, feel free to DM me. Would love to connect!

Thanks!

congratulations to the 2026 graduates!! 🩵🎓

Hi, I’m an incoming GS student and I plan to attend this fall. I’m still finalizing some financial details with my family, so I have not submitted the housing application yet.

I saw that the housing application has already been open for a while, and I wanted to ask whether it would be better to apply now or wait about two weeks until I know for certain. My main concern is making sure I do not miss out on housing or lose the chance to secure a place to stay if spaces fill up.

I would really appreciate any guidance.